UIC AmeriCorps and the Center for Literacy have made it a tradition to make MLK day, “A Day On”. During this time individuals remember a great man who fought for justice and had an impact on the meaning of service.

Planning for this special service day involved the collection of donated toiletry items, hats, and scarves to help those in need. At the shelters, families received donations and were engaged in literacy activities, including a book reading of I Have a Dream and a game put together by AmeriCorps to teach the history of Dr. King. Children also received a copy of Martin’s Big Words and participated in arts and crafts activities.

The day culminated in a discussion of Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of community service. Families and volunteers were able to interact and reflect on their day of service experience. As Center volunteer, Victor Banjoko shared, “I was happy to be part of an event, where we were able to reach out to others in a less fortunate circumstance. It was a humbling experience that made me appreciate what my family & I take for granted”.

Next year, during MLK day instead of taking the day off, decide to Make it a day ON and volunteer with UIC AmeriCorps Project MORE!

UIC and AmeriCorps would like to send a special thank you to volunteers, donors and local businesses such as Target who contributed to the success of the event!

We are pleased to report publication of the first two UIC Center for Literacy Research Reports. Research Report No. 1, Literacy and Undocumented Immigrant Youth in a Federal Detainment Center: Working Toward a Better Future, stems from research completed by Alexis Cullerton for her dissertation study. Dr. Cullerton completed writing of the report while she was a Research Specialist on staff at CFL.

Common Core State Standards and Early Childhood Literacy Instruction: Confusions and Conclusions is Research Report No. 2.
The author team work together for several years on the Center’s Early Reading First projects.

The UIC Center for Literacy is pleased to announce that two of our fabulous staff have been honored with awards from the University. Laura Knights, Senior Research Specialist, who is responsible for the Center’s UIC Parent Engagement and Resource Programs (GED, English as a Second Language, and Parent Outreach) has received the 2014 Award of Merit, which honors outstanding Civil Service and Academic Professional employees. Also, the Chancellor’s Office has given Barbara Travis, who works in the GED program at our Family Start Learning Center West, a 2014 INSPIRE Award, which recognizes employees who exhibit long-term, consistent and outstanding service to the University and a commitment to UIC’s Core Values. Hearty congratulations to both! Click here for a listing of all UIC 2014 Employee Recognition Award Recipients.